Health Insurance Marketplace Education and Enrollment

Have you heard about the Affordable Care Act? It’s the new law that has changed the world of health insurance. The law states that everyone is required to have health insurance or qualify for an exemption.

Do you have more questions than answers about the Affordable Care Act? Do you understand the law but need help seeing the different plans available to you? Do you want to find out if you qualify for financial assistance for your new health insurance plan? Do you want to talk to someone who really understands the ins and outs of insurance, like the insurance companies themselves?

Then our next Marketplace Education and Enrollment event is for you.

Richland Library, in conjunction with several community partners, is hosting a series of Health Insurance Marketplace Education and Enrollment events. These events will be held at the Main branch in downtown Columbia on:

· Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 9a.m. -2 p.m.

· Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 2 p.m -6 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marketplace?
The Marketplace is the newest way to shop for health insurance. It is also known as the Federal Exchange. In South Carolina the Marketplace offers a way for a person to view and choose from a variety of different insurance plans from a variety of insurance companies. By shopping in the Marketplace a person can also qualify for financial assistance from the federal government (known as tax subsidies) to assist in paying health insurance related costs. Of course, you can shop outside of the Marketplace as well by going directly to the insurance carrier of your choice.

What is the cost to attend?
This event is free of charge. There is no cost to attend.

Will parking be available?
Richland Library maintains two parking lots behind the downtown branch with entrances on Park Street and on Hampton Street. Metered parking is available around the library and throughout downtown Columbia. There is no cost to park at a meter on the weekends. The City of Columbia also maintains several parking garages near Richland Library. Please visit the City's website for information on their parking garages.

What do I need to bring?
If you would like to enroll in coverage, please bring:

Your Social Security number, as well as your family members’ Social Security numbers (or document numbers if you are legal immigrants)

Your family members’ birthdates

Your last four pay stubs, W-2 forms or “Wage and Tax Statements”

Policy numbers for any existing health insurance plans

Information about any employer-provided health insurance for which you and your family could qualify

Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointments are necessary.

Additional co-sponsors of the events include Palmetto Health.

Richland Library is raising awareness and education regarding the impact and options of the Affordable Care Act among Richland County residents through the generous support of the Knight Foundation Donor Advised Funds at Central Carolina Community Foundation.

For more information about the events call Lee Patterson at 803-231-6383 or visit richlandlibrary.com/aca. For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit HealthCare.gov. Marketplace open enrollment ends February 15.